Amato da tutti!

During a recent visit to the Flight 93 Memorial site, I remembered that a young firefighter who lost his life in the attack on the World Trade Center was also named Jim Amato. Following the tragedy in 2001, I recall scanning that growing list of names and seeing one I recognized all too well. Tonight I searched the net...just to learn a little more about this brave young man. There were countless results and many were in Italian, and included the word amato. One of the phrases read..."amato da tutti!" It didn't take long to learn "amato da tutti!" translates to "loved from all!" Amato...loved.

Remember to Light a Candle

...for September

I mentioned the visit to the Flight 93 Memorial Site. There really are no words to describe the feeling you have when you're there! My sister and I met a retired Chaplain from California who had spent months creating his own memorial to those lost in the terror attacks that September 11th. The retired Navy bus was completely covered with laminated photos of each of those souls. Laser etched panels on the side of the bus related details of that day. There were those unforgettable images of the Towers, Pentagon, and a peaceful, rolling field in Pennsylvania. Angels weeping...an Eagle with a tear in his eye...text from speeches...the Statue of Liberty...our nation's flag. It was amazing. This dedicated man beautifully etched each victim's name on poster-size black panels that were mounted all around the interior of the empty bus. Because there was not enough room on the exterior for each person's photo, the ceiling and dash were also decorated. Inside, we found flowers and a single burning candle. This was a labor of dedication and love! I am so thankful we were there on the day he visited Shanksville. This weekend he will visit the Pentagon in Washington and and then arrive in New York on Monday, September 11th.

(If interested, you can enlarge each photo by clicking on it twice...it is much easier to see the detail of Bruce Gorman's work.)

Birkinrock!

I so love when any of Jim's friends call or visit! First of all, I can't even express how extraordinary it is to even think these young people continue to take the time from their ongoing and busy lives to keep in touch with me. Many of them were "names without faces" as Jim always had a story to share! Now, when any of them call or visit, I can be sure that there will be a photo or a "Jim story" that will sound brand new to me! It is wonderful to know when anyone has had a dream or a feeling about Jim! So...if you are reading this and remember that dream from two weeks ago...let me know! This summer, one of Jim's good friends surprised me with a visit! I remember Jimmy sharing stories about Nicole from Greensburg Campus! After the accident, Nicole burned and sent me a mix of Incubus songs that were Jim tunes! "I Miss You" was her favorite...he would dance around her room, wearing his towel and singing his heart out to this song! That was Jim. I treasure that cd, along with others that were given to me by his friends, his brothers, and his cousin Nick! Photos are a gift I will be forever grateful for. Thank you guys!!!! Matt 's photos are some of the best! I love seeing Jim in any situation and there really were a few situations! Jeremy also gave me a disc of photos including a video! Priceless! Let this remind you...if you have even one little photo of Jim...please send a copy to me! It is almost like seeing him again! As I said, Nicole came for a visit this summer! She had been up to Presque Isle and mentioned a Jim rock that she found. It was a few weeks later, on one of those days, that I checked the mail and had a sweet card from Nicole...and in it was a rock that reminded her of Jimmy's sandal! You can't imagine how much it means when someone will take the time to share mementos and memories of my son. Thank you, Nicole!
Even yet, I keep Jim's Birks where he would often leave them...under a chair in our kitchen! And yes, Nicole...the Birkinrock does look like his Birkinstock!

"Who You'd Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most

I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
I feel you everywhere I go.
I see your smile, I see your face,
I hear you laughin' in the rain.
I still can't believe you're gone.

It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell that I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who you'd be today.

Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family,
I wonder what would you name your babies?
Some days the sky's so blue,
I feel like I can talk to you,
An' I know it might sound crazy.

It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell that I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who you'd be today.

Today, today, today.
Today, today, today.

Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
The only thing that gives me hope,
Is I know I will see you again someday.

Some day, some day, some day.

Kenny Chesney

Hearts to you Jimmy!

Another great cloud captured on film! A heart in a heart! We all carry Jim's heart in our own and I have to smile when I look up to the heavens and see him smiling back and sending a sweet heart to remind me of the love he has for me, his brothers and their wives...his aunts, uncles and cousins...and especially his dear little niece Teah. And Jim's love doesn't stop with his family...he had so many friends in his life and each one was so important to him. He had genuine concerns about so many people! It has been a long and difficult 18 months without him in our lives. He may not be here physically but there is not a single doubt in my mind or heart...Jim is but a whisper away and always in our hearts. When we need him most...we just have to open our eyes and look up! Jim....know that you will be forever loved and never forgotten!